Sakura Dreamscapes Japan Photo Tour - March 25 - 27, 2019

This tour is offered annually for dates in spring for 2020 and 2021. Contact JDS to pre-book your spot.

Tour Highlights:

Japanese Cherry Blossoms from several different locations in Tokyo and Yokohama

Ueno Park

Sumida Park

Tokyo Bay River Cruise (if available)

Rikugien Gardens

Weeping Cherry Blossom Viewing

Shinkuju Gyoen National Garden

Meguro Riverside Cherry Blossoms

Yoyogi Park

Minato Mirai

Ookagawa River

Sankeien Garden

Day 1 - March 25, 2019, Monday

Meet and greet at Ueno Station at 10 am (specific destination will be sent after officially joining the photo tour). The first stop is close by Ueno Park. Some people consider Ueno Park to be the premiere cherry blossom viewing area in all of Japan. The park has been popular since the 16th century for cherry blossom viewing, and the sakura trees are meticulously groomed and ready for viewing. Some of the park grounds have cherry blossoms so densely blossoming that the sky turns from azure to a brilliant pink with all the blossoms fluttering in the mild winds of spring. The park has nearly 1,000 trees in more than 500,000 square meters of protected park land, so there will be ample photo ops for you, but the day only begins there.

After a quick transfer, Sumida Park is the next location for cherry blossom viewing on the photo tour. Sumida is well-known for summer fireworks display, but the cherry blossoms offer a much different perspective than that of Ueno. Sumida’s sakura tend to be a slightly lighter shade of pink. Several views of the cherry blossoms have the Tokyo Sky Tree positioned right behind them, so you will be able to have two of Japan’s iconic images forever added to your photography memories. Sumida Park also hosts a Tokyo Bay River Cruise which will allow you the opportunity to see a panoramic view of the entire park’s cherry blossoms.

Rikugien Gardens is the last cherry blossom viewing location of the day. The park was originally built in 1700s by the order of the 5th Shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa. The park is dedicated to a very specific type of cherry blossoms, the weeping variety. The weeping Japanese cherry blossom tress has become synonymous with Rikugien Gardens, and some trees reach a towering 15 meters in height. In Japanese, the trees are called shibazakura, and they are especially spectacular in the blue hour as they are lit up in the park. The park is open late just for photographers and other awestruck visitors can enjoy the weeping cherry blossoms well into the evening. Once the sun sets, and the natural light fades, the weeping cherry blossom trees are light up to help you take beautiful evening images of the sakura. After taking your last photo of the day, we will all check into our lodgings and prepare for one more day in Tokyo with the famous cherry blossoms.

Day 2 - March 26, 2019, Tuesday

The second day of Tokyo Cherry Blossom Photography Tour begins Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Shinjuku Gyoen is a photo op paradise. The garden has an overall circumference of more than three kilometers and many different species of sakura to enjoy, so you will be able to photograph the various states of cherry blossoms from first bud to full bloom. The park also holds several souvenir booths as well as sweets with a cherry blossom theme. You will be able to take small breaks between all the beautiful shutter chances that Shinjuku Gyoen Park provides with recharging cherry blossom accented snacks. The park has many cherry blossoms to photograph, but it also has beautiful trees, shrubs, and other greenery thoughtfully coordinated on the park’s expansive open areas to allow for amazing landscape photography with your sakura at the center.

Yoyogi Park is the next stop on your Japan Dreamscapes Cherry Blossom Photo Tour adventure. Yoyogi Park is quite popular among Tokyo residents because of how easy it is to access from Shinjuku as well as Shibuya. Instead of walking the large park, you may enjoy photographing the amazing sakura trees while seated and participating in ‘hanami’, or cherry blossom viewing.

Megurogawa, or Meguro River, is the last cherry blossom viewing area of Tokyo, and it represents a change of pace from the other destinations. Meguro River stretches for nearly four kilometers, but this is no parkland per se. Lanterns decorate the riverside and flicker on at sunset, providing the perfect backdrop for your Meguro Riverside cherry blossom photos. And if you would like to sit and contemplate the beauty of the Megurogawa sakura, you can enjoy a moment’s rest at one of the many cafés or restaurants before returning to your nearby lodgings before closing your second day in Tokyo. While enjoying stories of the days photography over dinner, your JDS photo tour leader will discuss shooting conditions for the following day in Yokohama. Once the discussion has ended, and you’ve recharged yourself from the day’s cherry blossom expedition, rest and look forward to the following day.

Day 3 - March 27, 2019, Wednesday

Minato-Mirai’s famous ‘Sakura-dori’ or Cherry Blossom Road is the first stop for the third day chasing the perfect sakura. And on the long leisurely walk, you will have numerous opportunities to capture the cherry blossoms with the cityscapes of Yokohama and its port in the background for wide photos. If you prefer close up macro photos, then you can find different varieties of cherry blossoms to suit your photographic preference. Sakura-dori was constructed with photographers in mind as there are many viewing spots that present the opportunity to capture that once in a lifetime cherry blossom photo.

A few short kilometers away is the Ookagawa River. This location offers a similar experience to the Meguro River cherry blossom experience before. There are hundreds of sakura trees lining the riverside, and they extend so far that it almost appears as if they are a tunnel of sakura for your enjoyment. No matter where you point your camera, you will see the brilliant, lustrous blossoms ready to be photographed. If you prefer to be amidst the blossoms on an ‘Ohanami’ or Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise, that is another perspective and experience you can enjoy on this Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour.

Sankeien Garden is separated from the other two Yokohama locations, but JDS has saved the most traditional location for last. Sankeien Garden is most spectacular destination for cherry blossoms due to the historical buildings that call the garden their home. During the blue hour, you may see the reflection of the natural, pink perfection of the cherry blossoms in the pond at the center of the garden. With the buildings behind the sakura as your photographic frame, you will have pictures and memories of your Japan Cherry Blossom Tour that will last forever. As a parting treat, you could enjoy the flavorful sakura ice cream for one last sweet impression of your time photographing Japan’s iconic bloom.

Your JDS photography workshop leader will drop you off at Yokohama or Tokyo Station and look forward to our next photography adventure.

Why Choose This Photography Tour/Workshop?

All levels of photographers are welcome.

Any type of camera is welcome: digital, pocket camera, scoping with an iPhone, large format, and others.

Small group size means quality, in-depth time with your workshop leader.

All questions are welcome and encouraged throughout your JDS adventure!

Each morning and evening, your JDS photo workshop leader will discuss with you and the group the best shooting options with weather conditions in mind so each tour member will be well prepared to take spectacular photos.

2019 is the 22nd year that your workshop photography instructor has lead workshops & tours throughout Japan.

Tour Cost: $2100 per person (based on double occupancy) in 3 - 5-star accommodations with western style toiletries, and all breakfasts and dinners included. All group ground transportation will be in sports utility vehicles with business class seating. All entrance fees and all donations at temples and shrines are included in tour cost.

Single Supplement: Add $500

NOT included: Flight to and from Japan, any alcoholic beverages, and travel health insurance (recommended)